of Little Rock, AR
December 5, 1929 - December 30, 2023
Retired missionary and physician, Dr. Harlan L. Willis, age 94, passed away at his home in Little Rock, AR on December 30, 2023.
Born in Friendswood, TX on December 5, 1929, Dr. Willis graduated from the Baylor University School of medicine in 1953. Following his service in the United States Navy, Dr. Willis served as a Southern Baptist Missionary to Bangkla, Thailand from 1961-1973, where he helped build the Baptist Hospital and Leprosy Clinic and served as a surgeon and general physician. Upon his return to the U.S., he practiced medicine and general surgery in Brownfield, TX (1974-2004), then served as the medical director for the Community Health Clinic in Lubbock, TX (2004-2012).
A devoted servant of Christ and lifelong learner, Dr. Willis left a legacy of faithful service built on three simple foundations: Know Jesus, Love Jesus, Serve Jesus. He loved to remind his children and extended family that ''hard work builds character''. And he exhibited that throughout his life practicing medicine until age 83 and returning frequently to Thailand to assist doctors there. Though he left full-time service in Thailand in 1973, his love for the Thai people remained a life-long constant. Asked about his greatest aspirations, he frequently said, ''I wish I could go back to Thailand just one more time.''.
He is survived by two daughters, Kaye Frances Willis Miller (Mark) of Little Rock, AR and Robin Leigh Willis Wood (Andy) of Millry, AL; one son, Paul Marshal Willis (Sarah) of Amarillo, TX; ten grandchildren, Jenny Owens (Jason), Julie O'Neal (Christian), Rachael Eichenberger (Zach), John Mark Miller (Meg), Carrie Wiley (Kyle), Cassie Thomas (Curtis), Joel Wood (Ashley), Alyx Camp (Casey), Gunnar Willis and Dakota Willis and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Jo Willis and a daughter, Carol Ann Willis Strahan.
To honor his life and legacy, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Harlan Willis through the International Mission Board to the Bangkla Baptist Hospital in Thailand by going to imb.org and clicking the ''give now'' link and specifying your gift to: Bangkla Baptist Hospital in Thailand. Gifts can also be mailed to the International Mission Board for the ministry of Bangkla Baptist Hospital, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230.
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12 Condolence(s)
Walt Jones
Monday, January 22, 2024
Dr. Willis was a pivotal influence on my youth and young adulthood. Father to my good friend, Paul (or PAUL MARSHALL! as Jo would call him from the sports stands), I spent many days at their home. Later in life, I went into healthcare, and learned many things in a short time from him at Brownfield Regional Medical Center. My condolences to the family. He was a wonderfully consistent, God-loving man, who gave his talents to so many.
Diane Jackson
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father, my prayer is with you and the family. I love you so much and call me anytime.
much love Diane.
Cathy Chinn
Sunday, January 7, 2024
Dear Friends- so very sorry to hear this news, but am celebrating his life along with you. Praying for all of you during this very difficult time in the life of a family. Much love to you.
Cathy
Karen Staton
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Thinking of and your family, Carrie. Much love!
Dr Gordon and Leigh Ann Fort
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Dear family-we share many missions connections with your family. Dad too was a navy veteran and he and Mom also went to Baylor med before spending their lives practicing medicine in Africa through the IMB. Kaye you have been a dear MK sister and friend and our prayers are with you through this time. Thankful for your parents faithful service.
Quester Quarles
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Kay and Mark
Please know that i am thinking of you all during this painful time. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to work with such a kind spirited person. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Earl Ann Lenert Bumpus
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Kaye and Family,
So sorry for your loss but rejoicing with you that he is with Jesus! I am thankful for all his years of service on the mission field in Thailand and as a doctor in the states.
Earl Ann Lenert Bumpus
Nellie E. Torrado
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
What an amazing Christian and what a remarkable life as Husband, Father and a great IMB Missionary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Blessings!
Harold & Debbie Tucker
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Kaye and Mark, sorry to heard about the passing of Dr. Willis. What a legacy he has left across the world and also through his children and grand children. He will be missed each day but I'm sure he is much happier now to be reunited with his spouse. Prayers through these difficult times.
Joy and Johnny Burge
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Prayers that your memories of a great life with your father in Thailand and Texas will keep him ever present in your hearts.
Erin Marcellino
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
We love you, Robin, and are praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Jim Sandella
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace.